WORLD CUP SIDELIGHTS: Waterbreaks and High Prices

CEBU, Philippines - A Brazilian court has ordered FIFA to halt a match after 30 minutes of play if temperatures reach 32 degrees Celsius.  During the US-Portugal match, play was stopped at the 39th minute and the first-ever waterbreak in the history of the FIFA World Cup was instituted for both teams to rehydrate.

Humidity was measured at 70 percent so heat accompanied with humidity increases the risk of injury and heat stroke.  With the way games are played in the World Cup, waterbreaks are a welcome, well, break.

Not only the heat is felt in Brazil that travellers also need to have a drink of water upon experiencing the dizzying sky-high prices.

As per reports, the South American country notoriously is an expensive place and a big event like the FIFA World Cup had raised prices even more.

Three host cities Rio de Janiero, Fortaleza and Manaus are the most expensive where hotel, food and other incidental expenses will set back a fan an average of $680, $600 and $550 a day, respectively.  Will a $17 cheeseburger satisfy you?  Or maybe a $35 pepperoni pizza.

In Sao Paolo and Cuiaba, listed as more affordable host cities, it still will shrink travellers' wallets by an average daily expense of $460.

But even before the FIFA WC returned to Brazil, the country holds the distinction of having the most expensive Big Mac in the world sold at $6.30.  High-end Nikes go for $300.  Want an iPhone 5?  Sure, if you have $1,250. (FREEMAN)

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